THE LEGEND OF BRITA-MART: OR A Paraphrase upon our provisional British Discipline. Inditing it of many several distempers, and prescribing to the Cure. Presented DIALOGUE-wise, between Mickle-Worth the PATRIOT, penny-wise the WORLDLING, and mill-toil the soldier. The Scene being Grays-inn walks. The AUTHOR G. T. London printed by T. B. 1646. TO THE RIGHT Honourable, my very good LORD, WILLIAM Earl of SALISBURY, One of the LORDS of his majesty's most honourable privy council, and Knight of the most Noble Order of the GARTER. WHereas the manage of a real war, is now familiarly every man's Tract, the premises unconsulted, and our provisional Musters and Militia still left at large, without any Paraphrase: my near and usual privity with them both thus imposing; I have here propounded for some such temper, as might render each to be fair and flourishing: Neither can it be presented with more propriety, then to the masterwheele, from whose course and influence, my subordinate motion hath succeeded. And may your Lordship deign it a favourable regard; I dare be bold (how defective perhaps in several particulars) it shall yet induce so much discourse, and contemplation, as by hammering out infallible rules, may requisitely mature both. Finally, your gracious acceptation, of so mean a piece; will, beyond the many favours formerly collated, still lay a further obligation, upon Your Lordships ever bounden Servant, GEORGE TOOKE. To the Reader. Must I give many thanks, if he please to take me fairly, neither are all the subsequents, itended so for principles and infallible; but as in some of them I dare be confident: There is yet another sort, only to provoke our serious critics, pro and con, till the perfection may be rightly stated. And by presenting this model, by endeavouring to raise a bridge, where thou hast so long gone through the water, methinks should rather ingratiate, than any whit disaffect or run into construction. O but the soldier has like his pike, been here so plain enough, speaking out so loud and roundly, that it must needs be the kindler of much heat, of many dangerous coals; but then again, a light hand makes a lamentable sore, and the fate of war like that of marriage, is as uncertain at the first, as afterwards unalterable, and withal of such importance, that I had rather suffer under construction, detraction, and the calumny of double diligence, than the guilt of a tardy partial information. G. T. THE LEGEND OF BRITA-MART. Mickle-worth. HOw dearly does the quick and sweet air ingratiate this place mill-toil: the Northern wind being broken and mitigated by yonder lofty hills, and Favonius freely strewing it with his delicious buds and aglets? mill-toil. Why, thence succeeds his appellation, nempe à fovendo, of brooding and burnishing; and indeed this precinct of a The site of Gray's inn is originally thus named. Purpoole is one of his chief masterpieces; having also the nature, the perpoliteness of it both demonstrated in the name, and justified (as you say) in the remarkable tincture, of these several gems and pendants. Mickle-worth. Ay, I, though our city Flora be familiarly sadded, with a black cobweb-lawn of smoke and sea-coal; yet is she polished here and under a serener zenith, the fair complexion of this obvious Rose will instant it, and behold this Tulip seems also to be lined with so rich a satin, as imposes an extraordinary estimate. Penny-wise. But may then our serious Mickle-worth, be with this garden hypocrite, this gaudy piece of outside, thus affectionately transported? mill-toil. Indeed the noblest flowers have both colour, smell and taste; thus the premised Rose, with also the Violet, and juli-flower, minister each of them to the smell, the sight, and the palate; yet while yielding these for such superlatives, the Tulip also cannot be denied his single share, his positive beauty. Mickle-worth. True mill-toil, the detraction of others must not stagger our justice; besides, who can think that nature should prepare so delicate a lodging, without some proportionable incumbent? Penny-W. O Sir, excuse me, these supposes hold so little water, that till further information, I for my own particular, shall rather side with a sage leaf, or a good pot-herbe. Mickle-W. Let each one have his due Penny-wise, and then upon comparison and competition, who but will easily condescend, and prefer profit to pleasure; a bed of Confound and Milfoile before a border of Daffadilies, or the sweetest strewing herbs? Penny-Wise. And these, perhaps are but pharisaical boasters also; may they not be rendered by some other names more usual amongst us? Much Worth. These, Sir, are such as will perform beyond their profession; pay more than they promise: the first (if I be not deceived) is also called Blind-nettle, All-heal, and then Woundwort, by which name some Masters will especially celebrate it. The second is so denominated from the Latin, and his innumerous leaves, being vulgarly a Stratiotes, or folium mi●tare as healing all wounds made with iron. Yarrow, or Nose-bleed, and the peculiar plant of Mars. These (I say) are no effeminate delices but truly real: the balm of wounds; the hope, the help of soldiers. Penny-Wise. I conceive you Sir, subscribing likewise to their efficacy; they may be good leeches for the trespass of an axe, or a sith; concerning their relation to the soldier, 'tis here but little and impertinent, his room being indeed far better than his company. Mickle-Worth. Yet say (my downright friend) will you then stock up the fence of our Lands, our lives: oppose the fast-bind fast-finde of our forefathers? Why let me tell you, that as the natural body, so does the body politic consist of different humours and complexions, Learning, Mars, and Husbandry, the chiefest; and these, when in their due poise and affectionately plighted, render it fair and flourishing: but if falling into partialities, if the scholar and soldier say to the Husbandman, we have no need of thee, or the Farmer and Lawyer to the soldier, we have no need of thee; the house is divided within itself, and cannot long endure. Mille-T. A grievous curse was it, when God in the fifth of Esay threatened to break down the wall of His Vineyard; for what follows in conclusion, but it must be eaten up? the boar out of the wood shall waste it, the Foxes, even the little Foxes spoil it; and who can with such propriety personate this wall as the soldier; since he it is that animates our strongest pieces, which otherwise are but merely dirt and lumber? Nay, that illustrious Sparta took him directly in this sense, to such as demanded for her walls: replying with a gross of martial bodies. And among our modern critics, a Hollinshead, sol. 1371. Mendoza (Spanish leiger here for Philip the second) was likewise of this opinion; so that considering the facility and open site of our present England, respecting her want of fastness, of fortification; what other refuge have we save the soldier's breast? and how fatal does it protend, when we shall so much decry him, cut him short, what if I say cut him off? Is then ambition and the thirst of Empire, now become extinct, or perhaps transplanted far away to the Antipodes? Are we not daily surrounded with a further access of power, and more compact then formerly? To speak flat out; must we lie at the devotion of every hungry pretender, not reposing rather upon our own abilities? whence I say succeeds this confidence? suppose I call it stupidity. Penny-W. Call it what you will Sir; nay howsoever the coals be stirred, yet must I still persist; and the case is plain, that islanders are differently regulated from the continent: Is not the Sea our moat, nor to be filled up with a A war-word signifying virgulta or fasces, virgarum ramel brush bavin or the like. rjis or rubbish? And our Armado such a wall as hitherto has been invincible? Mickle-W. Thus opinionated were the Suiones in Tacitus; the reason b In his annals fol. 207. quia subitos hostium incursus prohibet oceanus: yet is this position so feasible, that how has our own Empress of lands been often harassed, even how often totally subverted? I derogate not the seaman, let him be the first, and a principal piece of our safety; but to hazard all upon this single string, must be justly subject to construction. Mille-T. All our enterprises, our overtures, are recommended as they become less accidental: we say the foot-combatant c Edmund's upon Caesar's Commentar. lib. 5. sol. 175. has much advantage upon the horseman, because our materials are more compact, and every rider stands engaged in the defects of his horse: again the sword we manage (since more entice) is preferred before the harquebus, an engine consisting of many subordinate pieces, of spring, stone, powder, touch hole, &c. each of which must either readily take his cue, or frustrate execution. And is our total confidence supplanted then to Sea; where the tide, the wavering wind, and an innumerable tackle, must either continually go true or else expose us to become the wages of usurpation and hostility? must our main rest be set up, I say, upon such uncertainties? or is it not rather expedient, when finding our wooden wall so tickle, that our iron one, our infantry be likewise perfected, an employment requiring the soldier? Penny-W. Well Sir, but add we then the rocks, the syrts, the difficulties of our coast; for all these in confederacy, and seconding each other, will prove a cord so tough, so many foldly twisted, that what invasion available to break it? Nay, there are other allegations also, so pregnant and familiar; that your joining issue generally withal, will prevent much circuit of speech, fixing us likewise more attentive. Mille-T. Concerning this perplexedness of our frontier, as it has by a Vide Hayward's Edward the sixt, sol, 120 foreign circumspection formerly been unriddled; thus no doubt but many hollow friends have from our long peace returned so much experience, that what devious or weyward English channel, but they can readily decipher; engageing thus our interior or artificial aids; disputing it with our sorts and importunities of ordinance; so that how far forth these may secure us, is now become the point: and upon mature deliberation, we must conclude negatively. For whereas that daring Monarch, King Henry the eight (having provoked almost all the Christian world) was very vigilant to perplex his frontier, by scattering such bars and bolts among our openest accesses; yet in the nonage of his successor, the reason of state was otherwise; a Hayward's Edward the sixt, fol. ●45. and many of these, rather accounted chargeable then necessary, were again demolished; because there was no show●e, neither needeed there any cloak. A further second sort, though not executed thus, by any public process, is yet within compass of b Chap. 34. 13. Esayahs' curse, being left (I say) so to nettles, brambles, even so totally neglected; that they have lain a long time drawing c Scarborough castle in Qu. Mary's days see Godwin's Hereford, sol. 325. on, and we may justly fear the catastrophe. Concerning such as really survive, being exempted from this indisposition, yet does martial knowledge either come by nature, or many an important piece may often cry out with the Shunamits son, My head, my head. Thus did d Hayward's Edward the sixt sol. 162. yet M. Cambden in his Annals clears him by his peers, condemning chamberlain captain of the Castle. Calais heretofore, the Lord Wentworth being governor; and where the understanding is but subordinate to the will, where Ulysses must observe an ignorant Polypheme: again, where command and knowledge are distracted into meum and tuum; where these two properties meet not simul, & semel in eodem subjecto, nor may suddenly determine in ipso nunc; it presupposes ill, and even invokes an enemy. To conclude, though like Absalon, they may from the crown of the head to the sole of the foot, be without any blemish; yet Sir Wal. Raligh (whose assertion is mille testes) he I say will tell us, e In his History of the world, the fift book of the first part sol. 361, and 362. that the island of Tercera thus accommodated even in this exquisite trim, was seized by Saint a cruse; as likewise Faiall (Maugre an obvious parapet, with all the lead it could malevolently pour out) by himself; and Master Edmunds in our most elaborate tract, even among our Cinque-ports will be yet so cautious, a In his observations upon Caesar's Comment. sol. 155 that an Army of twelve thousand, must here likewise divert the danger; yourself therefore being arbiter, whether does this infer the necessity of our trained-bands, with a proportion of Veterans for their better disciplining? Penny wise. And yet why so much confidence before an entire victory? before every rub removed and leveled: for now the rejoinder is, that we have an active, an experient body in the Netherlands, which if redemanded, will be of great incussion; may successfully stand in the gap, and proably dispose of fortune, repulsing all hostilities. mill-toil. But then again, the Wise Virgins had not their oil to fetch, when the bridegroom came; then I say there must be transportation, and considering our modern politics, with their many subtle umbrages of state, are we sure of a true, an opportune Intelligence? has not a wily Ferdinand Godwins annals. sol. 10. pretended France (b) or (as others tell us) a war against the moors, and yet taken a contrary course, usurping upon Navarre? Or else go to, 'tis well and timely certified; yet again shall we believe, that (as the Poets write of Ulysses) our Netherlander can also captivate the wind in a bag, employing it at pleasure; even at Flushing, their nearest and most open Port, does the shippingly often bedrid, and long and vainly have I wooed the wind to be propitious; nay we read daniel's chronicle fol. 34. and 35. that heretofore when King Canutus and Robert the Freise, had from Denmark and Flanders ramassed 1600 sail wherewithal to invade us, they were thus opposed two years together, a dash to the design: and as a modern example, our relieving Calais a far shorter cut, was also thus diverted according to both Holinshead and Godwin, two sufficient witnesses. Mickle-W. Thus Mr. Penny-Wise have you met with wedges for all your several knots, and now will mill-toil conclude, that since our other natural and artificial abilities are so feisable, of such a Punic troth; whether must we retreat for succour, or what stone is yet to be turned over, save that of the selected bands, which will again infer the veteran? These indeed are our Triarij, our last refuge; by this institution is our triple cord, of the sea, the shore, and the soldier, fully perfected. Penny. W. Neither am I so riged Mickle-Worth, but to retract and be persuaded, till I meet with better information; only the necessity being thus dilated, let me now receive the growth and antiquity thereof, with what our ancestors might determine in this point; reason being then soonest understood, if well seconded by precedent. Mickle-W. A pertinent request, the fullfilling whereof must still bring you more about; know therefore, that our trained companies of so remarkable incussion, are likewise very venerable for antiquity, as bearing date even from our Saxon ancestors: For when King Etheldred had been miserably harassed by the Dane, nor found otherwise to vindicate his sovereignty, then by some new untrodden path; the course he pitched upon, was that of landrates, and to charge every knight's fee, a Daniels chro. fol. 14. the terms of the Law will have it a jack and saddle. every eight hides of land throughout the kingdom with a corslet; we may likewise presuppose both men and discipline proportionable, the complexion of such a time will bear it; but how long this was continued, and with what appropriate officers, I determine not: if being the proto-type, the first model, it might likewise be rough-hewn and momentany; yet in process of time, our illustrious Henry the second, b Daniels chro. fol. 90. found so directly to settle it, that the like practice was soon after obtruded upon France and Flanders; nay King Edward the first c The Lord Verulam's, Henry the 7. fol. 71 (one of our best lawgivers) proceeded yet more roundly, assessing it by oath, and upon inferior values; as also collating experient officers, d The Baron's war, and that of Wales had now lasted about 17 years, and being all intestine, had qualified every one with such knowledge that even a High constable knew how to be a Muster-master. annually to prosecute the execution. I might embroil your memory with several other, both old and latter institutions to this purpose; but to conclude in a word, this great action of state has descended upon us deeply consulted, oftentimes revised, and through a succession of many several ages. Penny-W. Whence, I now become jealous of an engine so remarkable, lest by some negligence, or misconstruction, it may be rebated from the due efficacy: and should occasion require, what think you? is it indeed upright, and currant in all the several particulars? Mickle-W. This you must rather demand of some such party, as punctually has been skilled in the practice of it; 'tis your province mill-toil, you no doubt may clear it with sufficient assurance. Mille-T. An experience of above two prenticeships might indeed the rather engage me for this discovery; neither will I be mealy-mouthed, but ingenuously confess, that though when taken far off, and in the general bullion, we find it a very stupendious structure; yet upon dissection, and the particulars being throughly weighed, it replies not in allay. But I must forbear, a punctual scrutiny will both trespass time, and your patience. Mickle-W. Nay, mill-toil, this daintiness makes us more importunate; proceed, proceed, you need not fear our gratitude. Mille-T. Good Sir be satisfied, 'tis a task not to be undertaken without much premeditation; and according to that old emblem, who rashly enters the great end of the horn, may be squeezed at the tip, issuing there again but a poor snake, and with much difficulty. Mickle W. Tush man, away with this distrustfulness, neither can so much experience be at any time to seek; proceed, proceed I say, in flat English, we must have no denial. Mille-T. How, so resolute, nor to be deflected? well then, if my discourse shall tediously extend itself, yet is it yours, not my own deed. And now to begin with convenient order, we may generally distinguish our trained bands into Horse and foot; your Mounsieur reposes much upon the first, yet is it a brandling, a more casual body; while infantry must be yielded for the nave, the strength of an Army: beside, our English foot have ever been especially celebrated; and since our Princes use also within this covert to wait the chance of war, I must begin with these, preferring the King's guard; and considering them by several circumstances, either requisite in the particular persons, or the general purse: in the persons (whether Officers or soldiers) an account must be taken, of quality, residence, number, and discipline. Concerning matters of purse, they may be concluded into Ammunition, and then sold or payment; the first of these being so named à digniore, quasi munitio praeclara, or nutritoria, and among other kind of martial equipage, taken also for arms and Powder, two such serious properties, as are likewise to be weighed and examined with much intention; and after our infantry thus detected in these particulars, I must likewise implead our cavalry for a bird of the same faulty feather. And thus have you tasted the brief analysis of what I should discourse: the perplexedness whereof being considered, with how much it must encroach upon the time, me thinks I might well be spared from any further enlarging myself. Mickle-W. Nay, nay, your duty to the public; or I can narrow this again, with that to your particular employment; both these I say, must impose it unavoidably; I pray proceed. Mille-T. Concerning then the circumstance of persons, our Officers are first to be singled out, and accounted with (as is premised) touching their quality, residence, number, and discipline; and being now to speak of quality, methinks I hear the Mammonist defining it presently by landrates; the hotspur gallant, merely by store of fire and audacity; for as where nature is redundant, and in her spring-tides, there ensues a kind of wild irregular heat, which yet he will entitle to place and government; so has the devil lately foisted in, a serious kind of fury, insomuch that your methodical duelist, by committing a single combat, does often overtop the meritorious veteran. But these expositions are both beside the mark; and he that having an able stock of reputation, and experience, can also regulate his heat by piety, such a man will neither vitiate our companies in peace, nor forsake himself and a good cause in war: such an Officer may presume, I say, both of obedience and a blessing; when one inferior, how pursy, how precipitate soever, will yet be dallied with and neglected. Or if any one may pronounce my bolt as wide as quickly shot, I will be yet more confident; and as our Commanders in chief are very cautiously selected, were further respect had also to the quality of their lieutenants and ensigns, our Militia would become more serious, be put forward with more affection, more incussion; and where I must be just to some presently in esse, and assever their knowledge, their ability; they would then indeed all be valuable, even all of them be figures. Mickle-W. That our Officers not raggedly endowed, and rather quadrate in their several requisites, would indeed promise very largely; but we must consider where the scene is laid, preferring such as a long settled peace can administer; howsoever, the caution is well put in, and worth our welcome, as urging an accurate choice, and that we still be hitching nearer to perfection; but now for your second particle. Mille-T. Namely that of non-residents, and let others judge the happiness: when every country, every county, may rely upon his own materials: well was it for England, that beginning to reform the Church, she jointly traveled of another issue; being likewise delivered of her first borne iron ordinance a Vide Henry the eight, in Hollinshead, Anno reg. 35. a counterbattery to the Romish Canon: and the print of good Qu. Elizabeth, may be justly listed with a glorious trophy-work of artillery, since she it was, who by b In Bishop Carletons' tract fol. 2. discovering the Keswicke mines, and calamint stone, reformed it into brass. Nay, in her time also our powder (before transported out of Germany) was now wrought at home, the fire engine being fully perfected: 'tis of main consequence, I say, that every country, every county, have his instruments, his Officers so within distance, that like the good Centurion, it may readily say, to this, go, and he goeth; to that Come, and he cometh; it argues more success, readier assurance; when who reposes upon foreign aids, may with much propinquity be resembled to such a flattering Smith, as often loses his heat, while he seeks his hammer. In a word, since further fetched, can neither be had as cheap, nor found as useful; give me leave to prefer our innate, our directest residents. Mickle-W. And good leave have you Sir, this error being both familiar, and then as palpable; but since we have wherewithal to mend it, you may▪ perhaps, find it has been of ignorance, not of will. For the tract of number now successively to be dealt upon, methinks, it should be without exception; and since we are rather deficient in our Discipline, come we next to this fourth particle, where directly you must enlarge yourself. Mille-T. Yet soft and fair, my noble Patriot; for even concerning number also, I find not that Eurithmia, that agreement of parts, which an exquisite infantry may require: our select bands are I say, of very ponderous irregular bulk, rather cohorts than a According to Polybins a maniple consisted of 120. and a cohort of 360. three maniples. maniples; their officers likewise incompetent, each body being indeed a Polypheme, the soul to it but a disproportionable pigmy; and what other sequel, but as tumultuary, slow, and indigent performance? where if they may be digested less, and animated with requisite officers, each having three or four sergeants; their being more compactly situate, will argue quicker motion, execution; their proportionable scantling, readier disquisition information; and which is a main piece, they will engage more dependants of quality for the service. Mickle-W. Now is this likewise very considerable; but the notorious neglect of discipline does somuch extenuate our other peccancies, that impute it not, though a preposterous zeal has thus somewhat transported me; and now proceed good mill-toil, 'tis now the next, according to your own former resolution. Mille-T. Lastly therefore dost thou glory in thy plume, thy b The weapon distinguishing the lieutenant, from pertuise, francois, which signifies to bore. partesan, in the displaying thy colours, in the superfice, the shell of command? yet be sure to legitimate thyself with the soul of it, with a support of skill and knowledge: for how darest thou so roundly surrogate a mute for a vowel, a blank for a prize? I could justly here enlarg myself, as against a fault unavoidably hindering the success of our Militia; but the future prevention enforces me rather to propound an Antidote, a sovereign mixture both of open shame, and as public reputation; two pathetical motives, and importunate with any generous spirit: for by reducing our obsolete troops into Centuries, with also some access of Officers, (before touched upon) what County so penurious, but even of these alone, will have a body competent enough for exercise? which being annually convented, two or three days, will even laugh and sing at the happy success; as not expent in fruitless a Properly snails, and from their twirling shells, used metaphorically in French for winding and casting into rings. Limacons and Pyrrhicke dances; but so methodically husbanded to the best advantage, that each lieutenant, ensign, every Officer shall afterwards give a good account of his sufficiency. Neither is it strange, if the manage of this affair be committed to his trust, whom improperly we style the Muster-master; since indeed a threefold respect, of his experience (as having been qualified in service;) his place, (as of general privity with the whole shire;) and an injunction of disciplining from above, will thus impose it. Peny-W. Your proposition must needs be commendable, as striking infallibly the right string; and all necessary knowledge may thus descend from units to infinites; nay your primus motor has also been sufficiently pleaded; only since you quarrel his denomination, let me entreat that insisting somewhat further, you more precisely yet exhibit him. Mylle-T. Very willingly Sir, and thus howsoever this Officer has lately been of so perplexed an estimate and interpretation, he shall at least be vindicated, perhaps ingratiated again. Some critics therefore will derive his obstreperous name from the Belgic verb monsteren, some from muisteren of the Flemings, or confine it else to muster-here Teutonickly; neither indeed do these Etymons import further than sincerely to list an Army, not passing save warrantable Levies and furniture; nay they will tell us of the Holland's Commissary, and though his name be large and specious, that yet he is restrained to the view of arms and bodies: but then again, is not this in respect of an universal experience, that vast engine of their Militia being completed in qualibet parte? upon different circumstances there ensues another proportion, and every able Patriot, having first accounted with the place, the time, and other particulars, will prefer such a temper, as may fittingest comply with his design; insomuch that our British Muster-master must succeed rather from the Latin monstrare, which signifies as well to teach as to view; I, we find him here in England responsible both for discipline, and ammunition; the Character rather of a Sergeant-Major: and who I say so fit for these pieces, as one qualified in a real war, and able to bestead himself with the mysteries of his profession? Adding therefore probity of life, and (as some will argue) clarity of birth; (for the a Younger brothers of ancient gentry.▪ Cadets of shires say they are fullest of support and countenance) pardon me, if I boldly call this that Delphic Sword, which may accommodate all our several necessities; that Sun which brightly will enlighten the sphere, the circle of his Militia; addressing such influence so to particular Officers, that from thence it shall descend upon our File-leaders; and as Navigable streams are by subordinate rivers derived even to petty brooks and rillets, these again shall dilate it generally, even to the meanest sentinel. I dare freely call it a preposterous course, a haste making waste; which some of the Hollands sergeants heretofore transported: and to teach by ranks and rings, is but to slubber up; the termini of à quo and ad quem, can never observe each other mutually; when by this methodical, this successive instillation, their industry shall meet single and undistracted. Penny-W. I know not Sir how the General may relish this; but so far has it won upon my particular, that with a necessity of discipline, I must also yield this officer to be manifoldly qualified. Mickle-W. Ay, of several capacities, Penny-wise, that as occasion requires he may redress and fill up all defects and vacancies; which being thus inserted by the way, proceed we now again with our propounded method. Mille-T. And this is to be doing with our Legionaries, our other soldiers; concerning therefore the bulk, the proportion of their companies, enough has been said already; their residence must be likewise within distance as that of Officers▪ But then for the quality of these, 'tis familiarly so neglected, that here I must insist a while; and as an introduction not improper, touch also by the way upon our immitted foreign levys, which are so preposterous, that the most sappy crooked piece, will yet make a sufficient soldier; I, in mine own experience, our imprests have been guilty of some, which like connyskins out of season, have been half and quarter ones; might be put two or three to a man; nay we likewise employ as disastrous minds, as hands, which unhappiness has made Philopolites disgust himself after this manner. How are we thus securely blinded? how Befalls it often, that the camp does now So rob the Gemones? that jails dissute Our Mars somuch, with many a black a The martial term for a supply, or filling up, from recreué francou. Deut. 23. 13. recruyt, Disastring him? O tell, are these the men Will vindicate our Isle, and rear again Her glorious Crest? Or he that could provide His Israelites their padle-staffes, to hide Each purgament; shall such a jealous Lord Walk in the camp with these? no, no, reward Them with your rods, your racks; or truss them up Like vermin for determent; 'tis a troop Of other hearts and hands, may presuppose Successfulness; anew regreening those Our lately yellow bays— And indeed the precious stock of our reputation, is by this neglecting public for private ends, so much decayed and wasted, that even a violent necessity has put me upon this string: nor let any one calumniate what has been said, as if I meant like another Maximus, b Daniels chro. fol. 5. by transporting our chiefest strength to disfurnish Britain, leaveing it incompetently guarded: no, no, my Plea opposes b Such a coward as will cut off his thumb to prevent his service Marcell. Murcus, Minutius, Gusman; levels only at our do-littles, rogues, stigmatics, and the like: as for others, c The Romans enrouled him not, only holding him sit for procreation. Proletarius will pass muster for all his poverty; nay that d Sedentarius or Sellularius an Artificer that works sitting. Cushin-crusher by some nicer palates how distasted, is yet fit enough for service; and in especial, our e A soldier made of a Husbandman, and so named of his mole like furrowing up the earth. Taupin where conveniently he may be spared, is so beyond compare; that the chief of these, the best owners, will be main Timber in the ponderous frame of our trained bands. our wealthiest Husbandmen are (I say) most suitable for this main employment; to repose it upon servants and mechanics were disportionable, and alas they flit up and down, like empty clouds; are of inferior spirit and ability, and but uncertain comforters: whereas, if well weighing this hardy kind of Yeoman, (besides a toughness of temper extraordinary) his commendable rank argues more discourse, a deeper touch of reputation; his constant residence, inculcation of discipline; and than an inheritable revenue, both prohibits him from giving ground, inables him against many casual asperites, and preposeth better trim, more commendable furniture. Mickle-W. Concerning this middle people, between Cottagers and Gentlemen, my Lord of St. Alban a In his King Henry the seventh, fol. 74. has formerly so delivered their institution, multitude and abilities, that the case is plain enough; and their furniture, their military provision being equivalent, they may rank with the best Legionaries in Europe; what think you therefore of this circumstance? I pray be free with us. Mille-T. This is very opportunely moved, engaging me for the next particle, our ammunition; which comprises (as has been specified) the general equipage of a magazine; so that now our arms shall have an orderly discussion, or I may call them else our jewels; for thus does the Prophet Esay render the same word in both senses, Chap. 39 v. 2. which (by the way) may school us to their higher estimate; our arms or rather jewels, are now I say to possess the stage: and I must consider them according to that old dispartition of defensive and offensive: arraigning some of these in respect of weakness; others again of their weight. To begin with arms defensive, I must here commence my Plea against a A copped head piece with an acorn or such like upon it. Hufkins, b An armour allowing in the breast and faces some few riveted joints for the wearers ease. Almaigne Rivets, both evidently guilty; and yet a third sort as black in colour, as course and crazy in their constitution: for where our corselet may be distinguished respectively, as it participates either of the hammer, the Grindstone, or the file; these (as of the lowest form) are merely beaten, a dangerous omen; and may be compact of any spaltest Iron, all flaws and blemishes being daubed over with an hypocritical varnish: wherefore caveat emptor they are neither for use, nor ornament; my Vote I say, is only for russet arms, a degree higher; and neither despicable▪ sumptuous, nor impotent; neither too nice of constitution, nor overrigid; as testifying with the hammer, the Grindston also; c Those of 24● participate the rough file only, those of 28. the bastard file also. nay somewhat likewise of the file: and more proportionable to the safety, the celsitude, of our illustrious Britain. Mickle-W. I can observe how ready you have been to interrupt him penny-wise; the matter of charge without a very pregnant inference is somewhat hard to be understood: but having probably quit himself, I now distrust not your reconciliation; tush man, so trivial is this expense in respect of what it retributes, that we shall but lose a worm to catch a fish. Peny-W. But this inconstancy, these often alterations are generally clamor'd mill-toil, and will run you still into further construction: be well advised therefore, and rather than to broach this profusion, these novelties, carry a lighter hand; 'twill yield a more remarkable return, reconciling such as will otherwise be demanding a strict account of all particulars. Mille-T. Tush tush, as the truth seeks no corners, it likewise fears no colours; and will then our changing for the better, and with sufficient Cards for it, run the hazard of so high displeasure? 'tis true that an inferior Cottage may be huddled up in haste, but shall we think the like of Rome or London? is indeed that ponderous structure of our Iron Wal, the work only of a day or two? why even the most important pieces are at first rough-hewn, and but ursae partus, nor to be perfected but with much expense experience, and often licking; to demonstrate which and first in our artillery, (an expression of near alliance and coming home in paint▪) thus the violence of saltpetre and brimstone once discovered, and upon some further discourse, a body being also found for this soul to work in, yet all was but dolium ignivomum, and rude enough, taken whether in the name of it, or the nature: nay, when hereafter better polished, and come to be canna a cane, (whence our appellatives of gun and cannon,) even then also was our powder susceptile of a third ingredient, namely the a this to maintain and dilate what fire the brimstone gives. coal. neither did invention shut up Her shop here, but afterwards the due proportion of these became another quaere: and still upon several intervals, was it improved, one while with that busy stickler the harquebus, which (as La Noë has it) was father likewise to the pistol: another while with the b Both in respect of strength, for vis unita fortior; of dispacth, for when meal it falls individually in plump cloying the pipe of any flask; and of thirst, as now rolling down the piece more entirely, and with less interception. kerning of our powder formerly made up in meal; then again with the musket, so highly boasting of his great incussion; and sundry other specialties might be likewise interwoven. Now since the perfection has not descended but in these cancelleirs, in a variety of new editions and improvements; must (I say) our changing still for the better be so much detracted? and thy eye become wicked, because mine has been good and single? To rip up antiquity a little further, and return my hammer upon the nail itself; thus also c A coatesleeves and gorget of mail. Lo●ico hamata. the Haubert, and that quondam d An ancient armour of many joints and scales, Goliath in the painted cloth is thus armed: perhaps our quondom Brigandine: in French pour poins d'escaille. lorica squammata, how loudly boasting their innumerous peers and Palladines, have long since been reformed to the German-Rivet; this also becoming refuse and old iron, our modern corslet is now become the sole true-penny quia corpus celat, because it covers & defends the body with entire plate. Neither is the corselet so far from all exception, but still (upon further inquiry) we find that when being white, it dies with cockering, is quickly burnished out: again if black, is likewise as base, and withal unsearchable. Whence we may conclude (as was said before,) that perfection is not chopped into suddenly, comes not at the souse, or the leap, like a bird, or beast of prey; but after our saviour's own rule, of first a Mat. 4. 28. the blade, than the ear, than the ripe corn; or like the b Pro. 4. 18 light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. Mickle-W. 'tis yours enough mill-toil, and though Penny-Wise have perhaps been somewhat busy; yet since it does so much advantage, giving the better mark to your experience, I hope no matter of offence shall here be harped upon, save only our offensive arms; and according to former order, these being next to pass muster, I pray proceed in it, affording us your further information. Mille-T. Why then, for such offensives as trespass likewise in this weakness, the Musket, such a masterful Engine, as, when complete, cuts far before the point; at whose presence both sling, dart, and bow are antiquated; nay, the very harquebus fain likewise to quit the field: this Engine paramount, is yet so palpably full of this imputation, that where none of these should pass without a sufficient proof-mark to warranty; we now familiarly go less, preferring Joan equally with our Lady; the Black-Smiths mark and a miscellany of many other, indifferently with the Kings: Here should I therefore move for some such general distinction (whether by way of Character upon the a This extends from the breech a foott or somewhat more to the moulou●es which is a ring of little welts, and channels surrounding the barrel. Chamber of the piece or otherwise; as may suddenly divert all diffidence; warranting at a cursory glance, (the scanty limit of a muster-master) what otherwise must be taken up upon trust; and being throughly put to it, may become either a fast friend, or a false. Neither will it be impertinent, that here I likewise mention the due extent and measure of this trial: we prefer our own barrels to those of the Netherlands, even b The bread of Linburge is said to be better than bread, the fire hotter than fire, and iron harder than iron. those of iron, harder than iron; and our proof should consequently be higher, a circumstance which I fear we rather trespass in: Nay, what if it prove inferior, of a more scanty constitution? Mickle-W. If this be manifest, and found to hold Water, it concerns us very much; but here me thinks the Powder-pactor nestling towards you, replies with tush Sir, not your slegmaticke quantities, but the peter well refined, and as respectively embodied; the matter of quality must chiefly govern us: and herein have we joined issue with the Hollander long since; a verdict passing for us, and avouching no work to a Here at the Bel, is the gunpowder-house. Southwark; not by matter of bulk, but the huff, the height; by that of efficacy must it rather be decided, and then. Mille-T. Yet softly Swift; for notwithstanding any ceremonious paction, and those familiar vaunts of five, or perhaps b In every hundred weight 6. parts being Peter, to one of brimstone, and one of Cole. six, one and one▪ even his own pieces are subject also with intention to remission; his own powder avails not habitually to prescribe in the three c The mark distinguishing his best powder; and imprinted on the top most hoop of the barrel. crowns, but is often found of an inferior allay: which variety being also yielded to the Netherlander, what if the comparison have been between our hawk and his buzzard? Nay sir, notwithstanding many specious pretences, yet has his employment been very full of construction; nor may better be displayed, than by a fountain or Conduit-head, distributing itself into the Pipe, and the wast: at the Pipe first the King, afterwards has the Country been to be served, each at set indifferent rates; which being fully performed, both the waste and valuation of it, have (as it seems) been his own freely to dispose of; and that the Merchant, the Chandler and others; should not retail it for nothing, has been made sure enough▪ especially Mars being predominant; for then with obstreperous notes of the Tower and navy, has he presently pluged up all other issues; the Country chiefly being disclaimed with such obstinacy, that either the Pipe must be very needy, like the unjust Steward paying but fifties for hundreds; (whence the quaere will be, whether more passages to the Wood may give better satisfaction;) or else the pack very busy, kicking down that milk by conveyance, with which we should be nourished up by contract. Or again, if these obstructions rather prove artificial, and either imposed to whet on importunity, and screw his wast up to the higher rack; or lest this by-way may become observable saepèterendo, to feed else some hidden issue in the City, where it may thus advantage under a pretence of foreign peter; if I say it should rather prove some matter of umbrage and artifice, my conclusion must be of necessity, that a Rome of but one neck, aught to be guarded with all severity; nor only from Nero's sword, but the squinsy likewise of Demosthenes. Mickle-W. 'Tis somewhat that you say mill-toil, and I myself have also known, when a Country-Officer has danced so much attendance, of many journeys, with always a nihil upon his request; that necessity has driven him to the Chandlers at vl. us. per centum: so that there may be some pad in the straw, requiring a further scrutiny. But leaving this to graver eyes, as also the circumstance of weakness and levity; come we now to that other extreme of weight and burden. Mille-T. Sir, you shall freely dispose of me; only as a corollary to this point, whereas the Country-story must always certainly be ready, yet with little and uncertain vent, which presages much expense; why might it not every fourth or fifth year become utterable at his waste, his pipe repairing us again with an equal proportion in exchange; the commodity being carefully stowed, will long continue good and staple, be returned him of sufficient efficacy, even with the proofemasters reassurance; and our several magazines thus successively reinforced, become politic and perpetual bodies without any deceasing: or howsoever this suggestion may perhaps be slighted, somewhat would methinks be done to this purpose. And now according to your desire, proceed we with a second sort of arms, as prejudicial likewise in their excess, and pondor, as the former in deficiency; and even our Bourganet of such a lofty comb, (I had almost said the Burthenet) is often still obtruded like tares among the Wheat: the reason of war formerly prescribing these, was to prevent the Halberd, a weapon Teutonically derived of helm, nempe cassida; and bard, which is dolabra; whence▪ it came to be Cassi-dolabrum, of hewing and cleaving the helm: nay, as Killianus further affirms, it has in times of yore been flatly denominated helm-axe; but our Pike having abolished these, and prevented their ancient efficacy, we now prefer the a This lighter kind of head piece seems to be derived out of Barbary, from the moors; as the the former from the Burgondians; and thus will some derive our Pikes out of Pikardie. Morian, in weight more temperate; yet of comb enough to frustrate the sword. In the next place, must I contest a kind of Tassets lately broken over proportion, and having for it the specious pretexts both of ornament and safety; Neither may the dear b That part of the belly between the ribs & privy members. Abdomen, the feeble a The inner rimmo of the belly, enclosing the entrails. Peritonaeum, so replete with many tender curiosites, be guarded too securely: nay the thigh has likewise certain little veins so conduceing to generation, that Jacob's children came out of his thigh; and again of (a) eleven speeding places about the body, two of these are couched within b captain Bingham's tactics, fol. 22. the thighs; notwithstanding all which, we must yet be cautiously indulgent, not too much suppressing activity; especially with looser pieces, and so readily to be rejected. Let the belly and appurtenants (a mark as fair as feasible) be requisitly guarded; but the danger of these other parts is prevented much in their tenuity. 'Twas a fictitious shaft that killed Achilles so precisely in the heel; and though the c Tremeli●ts and L●ius upon judges 20. 16. Benjamites (no doubt) were very curious markesmen, yet their hitting at a hair's breadth is concluded figurative, and hyperbolical. the slenderness (I say) and exiguity of these pieces infer so competent a safety, that notwithstanding a pair of like mortal muscles in the two arms, our d The arming pieces of the shoulders to the elbows, named so of Esaule franceis Pouldrons (as cumbersome and inclining to burden) are irrecoverably cashiered: and indeed he that runs a temperate course between the two extremes, neither touching too palpably, either upon weight or weakness; but mutually interweaving defence and dexterity together, has a double string to his bow; misdoubts not in respect of his competent safety; and the rather fails not, because of his active expedition. But we have yet greater bugs to deal withal; for so uneven and gouty likewise is the web of our English musket, that as sometime we may justly suspect it for weakly timbered: (a defect already resented) 'tis oftentimes again as oppressive and immanageable; instead of 14l. weight, or thereabout; amounting often to 16. nay sometime to 18l. weight and upwards. Now, if such pills as these and the former, may perhaps with gaiety enough be swallowed, during a city show, or a country's musters; yet when the strength of horses will in a race at hand complain of giving weight; what shall we think of a far inferior ability, being to beat it out upon the hoof, perhaps for many days together, each of them still further sadding and settling it; and as the string of a stone-bow comes stiffest near the nut, the last proving always the worst? Penny-W. Why, that it must either founder beneath the burden; or so reject it, that the work must be done without the tools. Mickle-W. And then again, what other consequence, save a prosperous enemy; and to receive law where we should impose it? but this premonition will I hope, work with us effectually; and still may you deserve better, as your detection shall further extend itself. Mille-T. I might still indeed be doing with other peccancies; our pike does often over-swell his true Diameter; often may the sword be called a sit-fast, being familiarly shackled in his own inordinate length; and as some slubbering farmer may lose a lamb for a little tar; often also do we hazard great advantages by the want of little pieces, even of worms, scowrers, primingpins, and the like; but so far better is it rather to mend a gap, then find it; that my next endeavour shall be to propound some antidote preventing these enormities; and were their but a breviate of all our several requisits, prescribing their weight, extension and quality, with infallible painings upon each transgression; perhaps this exterior part of our Militia, might the sooner be perfected: nay, let me not speak of the shell alone, since these penalties might even avail the soul thereof, and comfort up the lame defective pieces, which have so long so much disabled it. For since the statute though speaking indeed obstreperously big ad terrorem, is yet calm enough in a Among manifold misdemeanours, even those of twenty years' time, I never knew more than one estret. practice, estreating up but now and then some little quillets: and again enacted very tenderly, with sundry misdemeanours still at large▪ were our penalties more general, upon the fail likewise of full arms; upon arms foul, or borrowed; arms privately transplanted against the muster-roll; defects unrepayred; late appearance; disobedience to Officers; subornation; and such others: were, I say, every further offence as yet escaping with indemnity, prosecuted with a proportionable penalty; and these (a familiar respect given to information) either dimidiated, or so parcelly derived upon our Militia, that the soldier In shooting for prizes, quere whether these ensuing Articles may be proper to be observed. And 1. That the soldier shall advance in his ten first postures, and after having given fire, fall orderly by the right hand into the rear. 2. That he only make use of his furthest sight and if his face be broken in discharging, lose his shoot. 3. That he which downs his cock twice, without giving fire, fall back into the rear, losing his shoot. 4. That he which omits any one of the ten postures shall lose for every one, an inch in measuring. 5. That every musket shall be of the usual boor and barrel, and a match cock. 6. That every musket be loaden with a full charge and a bullet. 7. That a straight shoot though but of equal distance with a wide one, shall be preferred before it. Himself might partake of the sweet also with the sour; as of correction likewise of encouragement; how would such petty casualties avail that unexperienced body of our musqueteers? how I say, might our milice be hence asisted so with prizes, and a suitable proportion of powder; that our trained companies be no longer so named ironically, nor our several holy-days dispent emptily in commessations and good-fellowship; but after an humble celebration of divine duties, in those of military discipline. Penny-W. Yet take heed soldier, you may here perhaps go too near the wind, and rather must these painings keep infallibly the higher way of estreat so lately mentioned: nay, so dangerous is this diversion, that lo, it overcasts and thickens already, boding some unkindly weather. Mille-T. No such object Sir I warrant you, or if I must needs suffer for dealing faithfully with my country and my conscience, well and good, my cross shall be my crown. And concerning these amerciaments (as has been glanced at formerly,) they trend not always and irrefragably the same course, being often imparted likewise to the plaintiff; sometime entirely given the patient, as we find it upon detaining payment, coat, and conduct money; and are indeed respectively collated, as they may highest raise the general profit. Mickle-W. Whence mill-toil, we directly must infer a prosperous interpretation; bear up therefore cheerly, and still inform us further of your military mysteries. Mille-T. After our arms once regulated, the next care will be thy preservation, Nec minor est virtus quàm quaerere. Some therefore will to this end argue very strongly, that they should be made all common; others again incline to have them generally private; and a third sort will halt between these two opinions, rather preferring the modern ho●th-pocth of both. There be some, I say, that will exprobate our common furniture, as nullius filius; even so much neglected between Constable careless, with his successor, and the soldier; that an iron corselet is yet no robe of durance: whereas, if all be made private, both the soldier and finder, the propriety and tutelage, meet familiarly in eodem subjecto, which presupposes better husbandry: nay by making all our arms common, there must likewise ensue many particular magazines, which will imply mutiny and rebellion; since by supprizing these, every haggard Catiline, or scurvy Ket, may lay the foundation of his camp. But now let the t'other ear be turned, and then in answer to the premises, what though some of inferior quality, though Tray perhaps be commonly both soldier and finder; yet does this fail as often in quater, and were great incongruity to demand of siee-cinque, so that the exceptions are more general than the rule. Again though rebellion may perhaps surprise an unity, a petty magazine or two; yet how may these contend with infinites, with such an universality ●● according to that of a 2 Sam. 17. 12. 13. David's Hushai) shall light upon them if in campania, as the dew falleth upon the grass; if retreated into any city, shall even with ropes draw it into the river. Nay these siders with community proceed yet further, inditing the rule of private arms, for so tender and indulgent; that one of these may sometime be distracted among three, or perhaps four several finders: and then how so many wheels may readily keep touch, and continually hit it, will be the business. For example, Sir Sillie Scater-good charged with a corselet for his manor of Melt-apace, being compelled by his diffusion and improvidence, sells it (that he may raise the greater sum) to the several tenants, as it lies divided, and in quillets: this they say is now by the common course of landrates to be required at many men's hands; and than such a distracted satisfaction must needs be full of hazard and uncertainty. Now if being jealous of unhaunted ways, we rather fix upon the present miscellanye, still preferring a cast of contraries; and our common arms, as a more compact body, readily to sway, the sudden; those privately dispersed, as their unseiesable seconds, and richer of allay: yet again, (which is a further grievance) the party preferring this old beaten course, does oft become both b A carrier or conveyer of military furniture. Angarius in respect of personal service; c One that imploies both person and goods in the Prince's service. Perangrius, as performing it with his own arms; and then again, Ter-angarius, by being also charged towards those that are common; a passage which some men do very much hunch at: that every horse should have his load is proportionable; nay, they are contented (if occasion so require) to bear double; but this treble charge goes much against the hair: yet that old proverb of many hands make light work; will conclude it for exiguous enough, and rather one in estimation, than in weight. Penny-W. For all that Sir, if to find a single arms be so large a stitch already with many men, surely, the least addition will make enough before, become the heavier. Mickle-W. True penny-wise, but we hope the prompting these heads thus into dicsourse, may produce a milder, a more acceptable temper. Mille-T. Well, well, if this be reckoned so harsh a note, and of the sharpest; yet I must now come to strain a little higher, being also to mediate for sold or payment; such a main and master-sinew as has of late been shrewdly sprung; and to foment and comfort it again, will be richly worth our labour; since therefore, who so keeps the a 1 Sam. 30. 24, & 25. stuff must also with b Such a soldier as has been ●●●ht with his enemy, so playing his scholars prize, aliter Bachcalaurius, as deserving the bays. Batalaurius divide the spoil; that our trained soldiers, by whose ableness and reputation, the wolf (as they say) is so kept from the door; that these serious treaders of the corn out, should yet be muzzled; nay still more importunately, that many poor substitutes, having at home several barking-bellies to satisfy, should yet return with a nihil upon their expense, must needs be contrary both to charity and justice; neither will I spare yet again to say, that there is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but so much does it tend to poverty; that although I can affectionately remember, when our discipline was up, at some good intention of alacrity, practice, and emulation; yet this stock of happiness after a tedious dwindling, is now directly dying; our musters are become dull and heavy, our officers in their edge much rebated, the musketeer disproportionably and deeper charged than the pike; in fine, whereas the soldier in close of all (and as the crown of his perseverance) has formerly been to receive his payment; this metlesome tie being deducted, he likewise does his work accordingly; often slinking home without either congee, discipline, or scruple at it: the reason because he has but his labour for his pains. Penny-W. Concerning the discipline, which you seem to press somuch, some will reckon it for more indifferent, nor so punctually to be stood upon; that we have convenient furniture wherewithal to answer all alarms, is granted necessary; and if an annual account thereof be taken, we cannot at an inch of time, be navigating many leagues of place, to be fitted both too late, and at excessiive values: Marry for this matter of exercise, what need so much festination? it enters now improperly, and before the right cue. Mille-T. Indeed, were invasion as plaine a dealer, as heretofore in the golden age; nor intended without a harbinger giving defiance, and sufficient warning; there might be more colour for this intimation: but since our modern Mars knows so cunningly to palliate himself, and his designs; we must waylay, and deter him with as much as we can of the foregame; all our other equipage (as has formerly been insinuated) is but a mass of lumber, only to be spirited by men and discipline: and notwithstanding such a body, if we stave off this soul, it induces a It was Meddozas' argument to whet on invasion in 88 Hollinshead. 1374, an undervaluing, which will the sooner instigate hostility; when, if these two may throughly be consolidate, the piece becomes of more opinion, is now difficult and formidable; nor to be contested, but upon importunate reasons, and with uncertain expectation. Penny-W. But say then, will not yet your exercise detract too forceably from our other occasions? the French will conclude b Quiscait mestier▪ ill est renie. a good trade for a rich revenue; the Netherlander proceeding yet further, will have it c The dutch proverb is ambache schap, groef, schap, an earldom; but content thee Hans, 'twill be a very poor one; if daily checked so much and interrupted. Mickle-W. Tush Sir, let not Sellularius, not Sti●●h-ill the tailor object his shop, nor Coridon be jealous of his plough; since our excercise may so respectively be conveyed, as to trench materially upon neither: for better clearing whereof, it ensues necessarily, that after the Quare of our discipline so newly touched upon; we likewise consider the Quando, the circumstance of time, in which it may be doing with least noise and exception; then again the capacity, Quantum, and extent of the same; afterwards the Quomodo, the ways and parties, by which our exercise may bestbe reared and perfected; and lastly the Quid, namely the milice the discipline itself. For the Quando therefore, 'tis bipartite, of a double nature and situation; the first interim distractedly scattering over all our summer, into such a deal of void and idle room, as may necessarily require some further employment: The second though of an individual residence, is yet inferiorly taken up also like the former, but a bag of counters instead of coin: for who shall generally survey the year, will find that nature when freely ministering her horn of store, and now luxuriantly promising the fork, the sith, and other furniture of Ceres; imparts withal such a kind of relaxtion, that then we practise the preachers time of gathering stones, mending thus two gaps with the same bush; and by cleansing our tilt, repairing our highways; and now in this time of dust and double days, may we likewise generally sum up, and regulate our matter of arms; which if done in dirt (all accounts being taken) will spend a noble, where we should take an angel; the musters, and even our discipline entire, may be fully repeated (I say) in this season, without any great clashing upon our business. Mickle-W. Yet when weighing well such a throng of difficulties, as the view and laying of arms and persons, with their manifold disputes annexed: likewise a punctual instillation, first of the several postures, then of all other knowledge apertient; 'tis me thinks a world of work, nor to be contracted into such a little neck of time, as between Easter term, and that of Hillary; the thing which so confidently you seem to aim at. Mille-T. Take me but with you Sir, and then our soldier must not here at the main of our musters, be taken for an Abecedarius, merely of the lowest form; but one before and throughly instructed; the primary roots and rudiments, being to be perfited upon the buy, and in the first interim, so lately hynted; namely, upon our holy, I had almost said hollow days; their number from Shrove-munday to Michaelmas (these two inclusively taken) amounts to seventeen, and being thus employed, will magnify the whole year with strength and reputation. Upon these we may descend into paticular postures, and even the smallest quillets; ascending again as articulately to the several motions and ways of skirmishing: insomuch that presupposing an awful hand upon all defects, both of trim and person, with the reducement of our ponderous companies into maniples; and than the sonldier in our holy-days interim thus prepared, (all which will prevent both loss of time, and circuit of action) we shall find also that the Quantum and extent of our Whitson-Vocation lately questioned, is yet of sufficient capacity, and the cloth becomes large enough for the coat. Then for the Quomodo; the means and parties fittest to manage this affair, and drive the nail home: If the Commissary, Muster-master, or what you please to call him, having a burdensome extended Province, may perhaps suffer under it; not being in his single person, susceptible of such a manifold employment; yet presupposing several centuries (both in respect of skirmish and dispatch) daily convented to the same rendezvous, why may not the cure be wrought by deputy? and since we have in every County some such Pensioners, as receiving good exhibition, may be challenged of proportionable service: since, I say, we find of these, so many, either not maimed, or not soldiers, or perhaps neither; such as fear no poundage, breaking over into every Pasture, and to the very Teeth of the Statute thus defrauding it; why should we not rather bring these to the test, and letting all baser mettle fly, introduce that of legal and preheminent allay, furnishing all our pensions impartially; and then 10l. per annum (which some of these attain to) will engage and fasten such, as being quadrate with the statute, may likewise be so serviceable to the Country, that here a wedge may be provided for every knot; here the Muster-master be fitted with inferior Officers for our holy-days exercise; here surrogate lieutenants, expediting the view of arms and bodies, his own eye being interimly within distance: here upon any imprests, we may likewise have conductors, well and ready rigged for transportation; finally, if at any time we be foreinly attempted, these also, as martial graduates nor subject to the panic fears of Tom Tyro, will execute with confidence, imboldning us to put home the speculations we continually are trained in. Neither must we take a maim in the severe literal sense, and for a down-right, an entire disabling; the Law intends it far otherwise: insomuch, that a bone taken out of the head, nay, the crooking of a finger; or breaking the foreteeth, is of this prejudicial construction; yet who knows not, but a soldier may perform effectually, notwithstanding these, nay, many rigider disasters: the provision therefore of such knowing Oblats a These taken strictly, were such maimed soldiers, as had Monks places assigned for their maintenance. will manifoldly bestead us; particularly upon any surcharge, relieve our exercise both with facility and expedition. After which survey of requisite circumstances, we now come at length to the Quid, the Milice itself; for this is likewise full of scars and blemishes: and among sundry smatterers at arms, lieutenant outapponed having scambled up some floating superficial pieces, yet begins likewise preposterously at the wrong end, blundering roughly into the main of his exercise, without any introduction of rudiments; and then again is his brother Bragadell affectedly taken with a new pedantical dialect, such as may best advance his own conundrums, and pirhick dances, which forsooth he will blanch of with the name of fair overshooting; but tell me bonny Bragadell, does not the steed that over-reaches disservice both himself and his master; and why shouldst thou thus impertinently buzz about the Butt, when to cleave the pin only wins the prize? to speak directly, why do we not rather impugn these, by provision of some orderly particulars? And since our scholars will relate via regia and via militaris, for one and the same indivisible, thus inferring their mutual interest and dependence; might it please authority to take so pressing a concernment throughly to heart, and by consulting some old experient commanders, to prescribe such a discipline as might square best with the quality and situation of our country; and precisely press it upon our observation, without giving line to the many late extravagancies; we should both fully be directed in all convenient scruples and punctualities; and what at first was but violent, artificial, and imposed; with a continual inculcation of the same important pieces, would at length become habitual, even a very through-pace. And now, as a corollary to the general; since one and the same party, taking him according to this model, and the constitution of our country, is of such a serious, such a manifold employment; sometime assistant to the captain, in his holy-days exercise, commanding in chief himself; sometime descending like a Sergeant to minister the particular postures; in the view of arms and bodies, becoming a Muster-master; and the general charge of discipline and ammunition, a Sergeant-major: in contemplation I say, of all these several and important faculties to be demanded of the same person; and how much a competent number of real soldiers may bestead us upon invasion; let me here implead all such, as either by hook the money-bag; or some crooked adulation, intrude upon our Military places: for so familiarly are the keys even of our frontier, by this legerdemain imbezeled; that one of them has lately been at a lawyer's girdle, and without incurring any Quare impedit; after whom Mars was yet again prevented, Vortumnus a The God of merchandise, Saunders now the bankrupt. practising with such artifice, that his minister the Merchant, had quickly fingered it, and his linstock was (no doubt) of as dreadful a fieri facias, as pertinent a random as his predecessors. I might still proceed in detecting many more of these castle-creepers, of sufficient inexperience to deliver up the coast; but the centre of our Britain is likewise so strangely culpable, that I leave the circumference: our upland preferments are I say, as familiarly purloined as the former; the heart itself being often served with thumbs, instead of fingers; with such as breaking over all bounders, all distinctions; will blunder into any fortune at any rate; and where Phylagathus does first examine whether he be in Villicatione sua, and then seek to manage it, both to the satisfaction of his country and his conscience; if this captain Cut-pudding can but with his facility, and implicit obedience, so fasten a party, that he may strike the revenue, abundè satisfecit officio suo. Here therefore must I likewise appeal all these deseisors, roundly soliciting (as we will be true to the good of Britain) that by stripping off their usurpation, and reducing a The first Lawyer that took fee. Amnimus Marcellinus lib. 30. cap. 5. Antiphon to his plea, and Ardelio to his shop; the martialist may no longer droop and dwindle out, but again be comforted in the warmeth, the strength, the pitch of his appropriate feathers. Penny-W. How our great clerks and politics may be led, I know not, but with any plain capacity, your reasons should methinks be prevalent, and hold enough water. Mickle-W. Even so much Penny-Wise, that I dare undersigne their approbation. This officer (according to the former draught) is indeed to quicken many several wheels, inferring both knowledge, labour, and expense; which should likewise presuppose all encouragement, all his rights inviolable, setting him off with some requisite luster: nay, to raise the point a note higher, our cavallary (a most important piece) is imposed also upon his care and industry; concerning which, if mill-toil, you still proceed, discussing also the particulars, it will more affectionately confirm us yours, still endear you farther, into the public acception. Mille-T. After this of our infantry, 'tis most true, that I should now come to the brandling wings; for though those elevated hands of Moses and Elijah, are indeed the principal horsemen, chariots of Israel; yet the great Lord of Hosts has also chosen so to work by means and rules, imposed upon our practice; that a remarkable cavallary may well be counted the door of hope; which infers the reformation, of our own, in many several particulars; but see the Sun is now ascended his meridian, and I must dismiss these till some other time. Penny-W. Nor improperly; since methinks this piercing air, does eagerly solicit, what the Butler also now determines of; hark, hark, his empty vessels sounds it dinner time. Mickle-W. A motive so considerable, that your Frenchman will as metonymically profess his food his vivers, as our English will his land his living; howsoever, could the loss, even of the daintiest meal, give continuance to our discourse; I should esteem it a rich purchase, and at a cheap rate. Mille-T. Good Sir pardon me, while I was mine own, I was yours; but for this afternoon I have past myself to some other friends. Mickle-W. Come then, Allons, our horse at the next meeting: I, I, your promise must be paid soldier. Mille-T. Very willingly Sir; for though among these, there likewise are manifold eyesores to be specified; so that with the Prophet, I must still become a man of contentions; a Ier. 15. 10. yet for the truth's sake will I not hold my peace: and indeed methinks the men might endure a naked examination, as well as their furniture; a prescription also of articulate postures would put their practice out to further profit; Then does the disuse of rings and drums prejudicate our troops, for haggard and unready; but especial since incussion is in our fire-ginnes chiefly material, I must urge against our pistol bore, as either defective in height, or else in warrant; for if preferring that moderate rate of 36 bullets per pound. we run the hazard of authority; if that of 52 not yet exauthoritated, this again will weaken violence; both in their several respects are dangerous, and whether we may better transgress with custom, or with reason, is now become the quaere. Nay, might our horse-musters be transplanted to the beginning of the year, and enjoined about Easter; they would have more of the sun and fair weather, wherewithal to hatch our exercise, to guard and guild our furniture; then would there be more time for examination, and perfecting of our repairs; then is the stone horse in his chiefest pride; and the gelding in his toughest ability, neither being so foggily distempered, as to deflect the training, for fear of being ma●'d, by being made; and then should we be prepared à parte ante, for whatsoever the year might bring forth; when by deferring the service longer, an early riser may be before hand, and our poverty come suddenly upon us like one that traveleth, our want as powerfully as an armed man a Prov. 6. 11. . Peny-W. Yet concerning this translation of our musters, methinks we should not be so variable, and did the time permit, there might very good cards be urged against it; these new projects are so dangerous, that Mickle-W. Tush 〈◊〉, make not such an idol of antiquity; if the fathers have eaten sour grapes, yet why should the children's teeth be set on edge? Desist, I say, and let his conclusion be rather applied to your own particuar, hereafter spurring you up into more foresight and providence. Penny-wise. In good time Sir, this is a parting blow indeed. Mickle-W. Applying of it rightly, you shall find it such a balm, as will not break your head. Souldierfarewell Mill-T. Adieu noble Sir; to you likewise penie-wise FINIS.